Bondi Beach shooting: Live updates and coverage

19h ago12:58pm

'The best of our country': PM visits Ahmed Al-Ahmed

The hero shop owner who disarmed one of the alleged Bondi Beach gunmen by throwing himself at the heavily armed man faces a months-long recovery after being shot during the massacre on Australia's most famous beach.

"He's very humble," Anthony Albanese said during a visit to Ahmed Al-Ahmed in hospital this afternoon.

"He went through his thought processes as he saw the atrocities unfold.

"He had gone to Bondi with friends and relatives. He was trying to get a cup of coffee, simple as that, and found himself at a moment where people were being shot in front of him. He decided to take action, and his bravery is an inspiration for all Australians."

Albanese went on to say that Al-Ahmed's parents are in Australia from Syria and have visited him in hospital.

"His mother and father are here visiting him from Syria, and I was able to meet them as well. They're very proud parents," he said.

"Ahmed Al-Ahmed represents the best of our country."

In a video posted to social media, the prime minister is seen holding Al-Ahmed's right hand with both hands as he speaks to him.

"Your heart is strong, your courage is inspiring," Albanese tells Al-Ahmed, who replies: "Thank you very much."

— Anna Henderson and Cameron Carr

19h ago12:39pm

Australia's leaders 'asleep at the wheel', Howard says

Former prime minister John Howard has accused leaders of being "asleep at the wheel", saying not enough has been done to combat the rise of antisemitic attacks in Australia since the Hamas-led October 7 attacks in 2023.

He said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has lacked the "moral leadership" required to protect against, and denounce, the alleged vilification of Jews.

"I certainly think he should have done more to fight antisemitism, a lot more," Howard said in Sydney.

"But he can't retrieve that loss.

"I hope that this terrible event will be a wake-up call to those who have been asleep at the wheel on this issue."

He also accused Foreign Minister Penny Wong of similar failures and questioned why she didn't "visit those areas of Israel that had been most directly assaulted by Hamas when she was there?"

"I'm ashamed of the fact that our relationship with Israel has broken down."

— Gabrielle Katanasho

20h ago12:37pm

IS flag found in car used by alleged gunmen, sources say

SBS has confirmed through security sources that police are investigating the possibility a flag associated with the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) group was found in the car used by the alleged gunmen in the Bondi Beach terror attack.

— Anna Henderson

20h ago12:12pm

'I'm not here to comment on the government': Ambassador responds to criticism of Albanese

Returning now to the Israeli ambassador's press conference, Amir Maimon was asked if there was anything more Anthony Albanese could have done to prevent the Bondi tragedy — after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday apportioned blame.

"I'm not here to comment on the prime minister or the government. I am here … to support the community," Maimon said.

"I am sure the community is engaged in a very close exchange with the government officials, whether it is federal or New South Wales government. The Premier [Chris] Minns is very cooperative and I'm going to see him today right after the meeting here … I'm sure all necessary measures will be taken."

Earlier, Netanyahu said he had personally warned Albanese in a letter in August that his government's policies and rhetoric — including formal recognition of the State of Palestine — "pours fuel on the antisemitic fire … emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets".

A man and woman kneeling beside floral tributes.

Israel's ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, paused to pay his respects at a floral memorial at the Bondi Pavilion. Source: AAP / Mark Baker

He said the government had done "nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia," linking alleged inaction to attacks on Jews and places of worship.

Albanese declined to respond directly when asked about Netanyahu's comments.

"This is a moment for national unity," Albanese said on Monday.

"This is a moment for Australians to come together. That's precisely what we'll be doing."

— Gabrielle Katanasho

20h ago12:07pm

'Pray for me': Bondi hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed speaks in video from hospital

In a video shared by Türkiye’s public broadcaster TRT World, Ahmed Al-Ahmed is seen in hospital addressing an unseen person recording him.

He says he "appreciates the efforts of everyone" in the subtitled video on Instagram, and is seen being wheeled into a hospital room.

"May Allah reward you and grant you well-being. God willing, we will return to you with joy," he says.

He goes on to say he "went through a very difficult phase".

"I ask my mother, the apple of my eye, to pray for me. Pray for me, my mother."

He is at St George Hospital in Sydney, where he is reportedly in a critical but stable condition.

— Cameron Carr

21h ago11:34am

Push to tighten gun laws 'a diversion', former PM says

Former prime minister John Howard has labelled the Albanese government's push to tighten gun laws "a diversion", saying the government's focus should be on fighting antisemitism in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack.

Howard oversaw the implementation of the National Firearms Agreement in 1996, following the Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, which remains Australia's worst mass shooting.

Howard told Sky News: "You can't legislate people's hearts," accusing Anthony Albanese of using "weasel words" on the issue.

National Cabinet leaders agreed to work to strengthen gun legislation on Monday, including fast-tracking the stand-up of the National Firearms register, limiting the number of firearms per individual, and requiring Australian citizenship to hold a firearms licence.

— Naveen Razik

21h ago11:33am

Gun laws won't 'stamp out antisemitism', Opposition says

Opposition home affairs spokesperson Jonathon Duniam says it's important to see the details of proposed gun law reforms before the Opposition offers support.

At the National Cabinet on Monday, changes to gun laws received broad support.

Duniam says gun laws alone would not have prevented the attack at Bondi Beach.

"What a change to gun laws won't do is stamp out antisemitism and that was the driver behind these attacks and we can't forget that fixing the gun laws in some way will not prevent from happening what happened yesterday [Sunday]," he tells ABC Radio National.

"If it's not guns, it's explosive devices, it's knives, it's other forms of attack weapons."

— Cameron Carr

21h ago11:14am

Rabbi pays tribute to Bondi victim Eli Schlanger

Rabbi Eli Feldman has paid tribute to his friend and fellow rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was among the 15 people killed in the Bondi attack.

Speaking alongside the Israeli ambassador, Feldman described Schlanger as a brother.

He spoke of Schlanger's grieving family, saying the rabbi leaves behind a widow and children, and recalled sitting with Schlanger's father-in-law, who said: "The worst possible thing I would have to do as a father … is tell my grandchildren their father has been taken from us."

A man wearing a black hat is being consoled by a man wearing a kippah.

Rabbi Yehoram Ulman (left) is the father-in-law of the Bondi attack victim, rabbi Eli Schlanger. Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi

Feldman also urged the Jewish community to "be more Jewish, wear your Star of David, be proud", while encouraging all Australians to "care for each other" and act in the image of God.

— Gabrielle Katanasho

21h ago11:12am

Anthony Albanese to visit Ahmed Al-Ahmed in hospital

Anthony Albanese says he’ll visit Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who is at St George hospital in Sydney, where he is reportedly in a critical but stable condition.

Speaking with Nova Radio, the prime minister confirmed he intended to make a hospital visit to the "hero bystander" who disarmed one of the alleged gunmen.

NSW Premier Chris Minns visited Bondi Beach shooting hera Ahmed Al-Ahmed in hospital

NSW Premier Chris Minns visited Bondi shooting hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed in hospital on Monday night, praising his "incredible bravery". Source: Supplied / Facebook

"It was extraordinary, that footage of essentially creeping up behind a gunman who’s involved in a mass shooting, and he was unarmed, and as a consequence he was shot twice as well, which is why he is in hospital," he says.

"He is a hero and that needs to be recognised and I’m absolutely certain that we will do that."

— Cameron Carr

21h ago10:48am

Victorian premier announces $2 million boost for Jewish community security and support

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced a $2 million safety package for the Jewish community in response to the Bondi terror attack.

The funding includes $900,000 for the Community Security Group to increase security at cultural events and school programs, and $250,000 for youth summer camp protection.

Another $250,000 will support therapeutic programs aimed at preventing radicalisation, while JewishCare and community councils will receive additional funds for mental health and safety services.

Allan said the measures send a clear message that "here in Victoria, hate, in all of its forms, is a crime, and you will be dealt with by Victoria Police".

— Gabrielle Katanasho

21h ago10:40am

Israeli ambassador says his 'heart is torn apart' after Bondi attack, calls for safety for all faiths

The Israeli ambassador to Australia has delivered an emotional address in Bondi, saying his "heart is torn apart" by the shooting while urging authorities to ensure all Australians can practise their faith safely.

"My vocabulary is not rich enough to express how I feel. My heart is torn apart ... The Jewish community, the Australians of Jewish faith, the Jewish community is also my community. My people," Amir Maimon said.

"I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the community, to all Australians and to join the community and their call to the government to take all necessary measures to make sure that the life of every Australian, whether they are Jewish, Muslim or Christian, would be safe."

Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon held a news conference by a floral tribute at Bondi Beach on Tuesday. Source: AP / Mark Baker

He warned antisemitism has been escalating for years, saying Jewish Australians are often forced to worship behind heavy security in a way other faiths are not.

"Only the Jewish, the Australians of Jewish faith are forced to worship their gods behind closed doors, CCTV, guards, it is insane. This is really insane."

— Gabrielle Katanasho

22h ago10:37am

Misinformation and 'manipulated' images spreading online

Several social media posts have attempted to link Israel to the attack, citing supposed clues such as internet searches, the identity of one of the alleged shooters and the firearms used. But none of those claims are supported by credible evidence, according to AAP Fact Check.

Some Facebook posts alleged that people in Israel had searched for the name of one of the alleged shooters before the attack. Some posts also included screenshots that claimed to show Google Trends activity from before the attack.

However, independent checks found no evidence that the alleged shooter's name was searched in Israel before news of the attack was made public.

You can't trust everything you read online. Here's how to spot misinformation

Many of the circulated images appear manipulated, AAP says, with blurred or unusually thick blue trend lines that do not match Google's interface.

Other posts falsely claimed the 24-year-old shooter has served in the Israel Defense Forces, but in reality, he is a western Sydney resident and a former student of Cabramatta High School.

There was further misinformation that claimed the weapons used proved the involvement of Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad — in fact, the guns were legally owned and licensed, AAP says.

— Australian Associated Press and Cameron Carr

22h ago10:36am

Image appears to show second man disarming Bondi shooter

As "hero bystander" Ahmed Al-Ahmed undergoes treatment in hospital, an unverified image has emerged of a second man moments before he ran up to an alleged shooter, kicking his gun away.

In a social media post, migration lawyer Alison Battisson identified the man as "this hero is a refugee currently without a permanent visa".

Credit: Alison Battisson

She refers to him as AB, and says he ran up a footbridge the alleged gunman was on to "disarm" him while he was reloading.

"He knew the shooter on the bridge would need to reload and he waited for this opportunity," she wrote.

"When the shooter was hit, this hero ran up the bridge and kicked away the gun the shooter was still holding.

"Other bystanders misunderstood his intent and kicked him," Battisson wrote," but AB didn't fight back, and a detective helped make it clear that AB is a civilian who was brave enough to step in and help."

— Cameron Carr

22h ago10:21am

Families of injured Bondi officers thank first responders, ask for privacy

The families of two NSW Police officers injured while confronting the alleged gunmen in the Bondi shooting have issued a statement, passing on their "thoughts to the loved ones of those who were killed and injured in the Bondi shooting tragedy".

One of the officers has been identified as constable Scott Dyson, who has been attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command for 18 months. He remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

There is no further information available on the second officer, who is also in a serious but stable condition.

NSW Police commissioner Mal Lanyon said on Monday the officers suffered gunshot wounds as police exchanged fire with the alleged attackers.

In the statement, the families expressed "heartfelt gratitude to all first responders who acted with courage, in particular the police officers and paramedics who responded", and thanked hospital staff, especially those working in intensive care.

They also thanked the community for its support, while asking for privacy as their loved ones focus on recovery and healing.

— Gabrielle Katanasho

22h ago10:11am

Burke pushes faster national firearms register, rejects immigration link to radicalisation

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the national firearms register is being built "at pace", with the Commonwealth system expected to be ready by the second half of next year, even though full national integration is not due until 2028.

He told ABC Radio National Breakfast some states are still using paper-based systems, and the priority is getting the federal infrastructure in place so states can "plug into that" and start sharing information as soon as possible.

Burke also rejected suggestions that immigration is at the heart of radicalisation, pointing out that one alleged Bondi attacker arrived on a student visa in 1998, while another was an Australian-born citizen.

"I don't think we can view this as an immigration issue," he said, while stressing strong security checks remain essential.

He warned that people who come to Australia and "spout antisemitism" or bigotry should expect to lose the right to stay.

— Gabrielle Katanasho

22h ago9:41am

Blood donation record smashed

Nearly 50,000 people across the country have made appointments to donate blood, more than double the previous record, according to Lifeblood.

A total of 7,810 donations of blood, plasma and platelets were made on Monday across Australia, and lines to give donations stretched out the doors and around the building of the Lifeblood donation centre at Town Hall in Sydney's CBD.

Lifeblood is urging people to continue to book appointments to donate blood and plasma.

"In particular, we need O-type donors to donate now," the group posted on social media.

— Cameron Carr

23h ago8:39am

Six people remain in critical condition, NSW Health says

NSW Health has provided an update this morning on the conditions of people injured in the attack.

Six patients were in a critical condition as of 8am on Monday, with a further four in "critical but stable" condition. In total, 25 patients are still receiving care.

Two patients are in a stable condition at Prince of Wales Hospital.
One patient is in critical condition and two are stable at St George Hospital.
One patient is in a stable condition at Sydney Eye Hospital.
Two patients are in a critical condition, two patients are in a critical but stable condition and one patient is stable at St Vincent's Hospital.
Three patients are in a critical condition, one patient is in a critical but stable condition and two patients are stable at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Three patients are in a stable condition at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.
One patient is in a critical but stable condition and two patients are in a stable condition at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Two patients are in a stable condition at Liverpool Hospital.

— Cameron Carr

1 day ago16 Dec 8:32am

Family of rabbi killed in Bondi terror attack grappling with conflicting emotions

The family of one of the victims of the Bondi terror attack says they're grappling with conflicting emotions after his death.

British-born rabbi Eli Schlanger was one of the organisers of the Hanukkah celebration at which 15 people were shot dead.

The victims range in age from 10 to 87, while another 42 people were injured in the attack.

Schlanger's cousin, rabbi Zalman Lewis, says he was dedicated to his adopted homeland of Australia and devoted to helping society's less fortunate.

Lewis says his outrage at what happened, and at the antisemitic nature of the attack, is somewhat tempered by his urge to make something good from the horrible situation.

"The instant reaction, like so many other human beings, is pointing fingers at whoever you might point fingers at with anxiety.

"Why aren't the media raising the concerns the Jewish community feel? Why aren't governments understanding the way we feel and the threats that we face and … we feel lonely.

"And then my brain says no, stop. I'm a rabbi. I'm not a politician. My job is to spread goodness."

— Cameron Carr

1 day ago16 Dec 8:03am

Bondi hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed undergoes first surgery, with more expected

The hero shop owner who disarmed one of the alleged Bondi gunmen by throwing himself at the heavily armed man faces a months-long recovery after being shot during the massacre on Australia's most famous beach.

Ahmed Al-Ahmed, the 43-year-old father who bystanders say likely saved many lives when he ripped a gun out of the hands of one of the alleged attackers, underwent surgery in hospital on Monday.

He's in pain but is supported by his family, who are equal parts worried and proud of his heroism, according to Lubaba Alhmidi Alkahil, media director for the Australians for Syria Association, who took flowers and food to his hospital room on Monday.

ABC News reported Ahmed had surgery to remove bullet fragments from his shoulder, but will likely need several more surgeries.

"I think at least he needs six months to recover ... it's badly damaged," she told the Australian Associated Press.

"He has two daughters, little kids," she said.

"When he threw himself on that bad guy ... he was just thinking how to save these people."

Read the full article:

Albanese visits 'humble' Ahmed Al-Ahmed after Bondi hero speaks from hospital

— Madeleine Wedesweiler

1 day ago16 Dec 7:41am

Vigils held across Australia to mourn Bondi terror attack victims

Hanukkah events and vigils were held across Australia on Monday night as thousands of mourners laid flowers and left messages to remember the 15 people killed in the terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday.

In an emotional ceremony at Bondi Beach, rabbi Yossi Shuchat lit the candles of a five-foot-high menorah, telling those gathered: "Lightness will always persevere, darkness cannot continue where there is light."

A rabbi in black clothes lights a menorah during a vigil.

Hanukkah events and vigils were held across Australia in honour of the memory of people killed in Sunday's terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Source: AAP / Bianca de Marchi

The Pillars of Light Festival also went ahead at Melbourne's Federation Square, where attendees gathered to sing, pray and watch rabbi Gabi Kaltmann light the menorah.

Addressing the crowd, Kaltmann thanked everyone "for showing up and being here in solidarity".

"We gather not in fear, but in strength," he said.

In Sydney's east, hundreds of people attended a prayer vigil at the Chabad Bondi synagogue, the place of worship for many of those caught up in Sunday's attack, while members of the Jewish community gathered to celebrate the second night of Hanukkah at St Kilda beach and Caulfield Shule in Melbourne's south-east.

Read the full article here:

'We will not give in to fear': Vigils held across Australia to honour victims of Bondi terror attack

— AAP

Alleged gunman out of coma; NSW premier defends police response to Bondi terror attack — as it happened

NSW Premier Chris Minns also vowed to make the state's gun laws the "toughest" in the country.

'The best of our country': PM visits Ahmed Al-Ahmed

Australia's leaders 'asleep at the wheel', Howard says

IS flag found in car used by alleged gunmen, sources say

'I'm not here to comment on the government': Ambassador responds to criticism of Albanese

'Pray for me': Bondi hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed speaks in video from hospital

Push to tighten gun laws 'a diversion', former PM says

Gun laws won't 'stamp out antisemitism', Opposition says

Rabbi pays tribute to Bondi victim Eli Schlanger

Anthony Albanese to visit Ahmed Al-Ahmed in hospital

Victorian premier announces $2 million boost for Jewish community security and support

Israeli ambassador says his 'heart is torn apart' after Bondi attack, calls for safety for all faiths

Misinformation and 'manipulated' images spreading online

READ MORE

Image appears to show second man disarming Bondi shooter

Families of injured Bondi officers thank first responders, ask for privacy

Burke pushes faster national firearms register, rejects immigration link to radicalisation

Blood donation record smashed

Six people remain in critical condition, NSW Health says

Family of rabbi killed in Bondi terror attack grappling with conflicting emotions

Bondi hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed undergoes first surgery, with more expected

READ MORE

Vigils held across Australia to mourn Bondi terror attack victims

READ MORE

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Alleged gunman out of coma; NSW premier defends police response to Bondi terror attack — as it happened

NSW Premier Chris Minns also vowed to make the state's gun laws the "toughest" in the country.

'The best of our country': PM visits Ahmed Al-Ahmed

Australia's leaders 'asleep at the wheel', Howard says

IS flag found in car used by alleged gunmen, sources say

'I'm not here to comment on the government': Ambassador responds to criticism of Albanese

'Pray for me': Bondi hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed speaks in video from hospital

Push to tighten gun laws 'a diversion', former PM says

Gun laws won't 'stamp out antisemitism', Opposition says

Rabbi pays tribute to Bondi victim Eli Schlanger

Anthony Albanese to visit Ahmed Al-Ahmed in hospital

Victorian premier announces $2 million boost for Jewish community security and support

Israeli ambassador says his 'heart is torn apart' after Bondi attack, calls for safety for all faiths

Misinformation and 'manipulated' images spreading online

READ MORE

Image appears to show second man disarming Bondi shooter

Families of injured Bondi officers thank first responders, ask for privacy

Burke pushes faster national firearms register, rejects immigration link to radicalisation

Blood donation record smashed

Six people remain in critical condition, NSW Health says

Family of rabbi killed in Bondi terror attack grappling with conflicting emotions

Bondi hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed undergoes first surgery, with more expected

READ MORE

Vigils held across Australia to mourn Bondi terror attack victims

READ MORE

previous

2of3

next

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